The only birthday worth celebrating is July 4

[Yes, today is my 282nd birthday. However, as I had told Mr. Levi Lincoln below on August 30, 1803, I prefer my birthday not be celebrated. The only birthday that I observe is America’s birthday on July 4th.]

With respect to the day on which they wish to fix their anniversary, they may be told, that disapproving myself of transferring the honors and veneration for the great birthday of our republic to any individual, or of dividing them with individuals, I have declined letting my own birthday be known, and have engaged my family not to communicate it. This has been the uniform answer to every application of the kind.